Financial Assistance For Single Mothers In Arizona

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Assistance Programs for Single Moms/Parents living in the state of Arizona

The failing economy is the final straw for some single moms. They were barely making ends meet before now it has gotten to be even harder. There is hope at least for the short term. The state of Arizona has a TANF as does most other states. Formerly known Aid To Families with Dependent Children, the program is not as it was mere 10 years ago. The changes affect more than just the amount of benefits but each state has set their own guidelines for eligibility. You should research them before you start your application. These are the requirements that the state of Arizona has now.

The type of family (this includes family size and adult members’ ability to work)

If you are a single mom with a child under 6 years. You will have to participate in a work program or readiness for work program for at least 20 hours a week.

If your child is older than 6 years will have to put in more time participating in core activities, this 30 hour requirement is also for two-parent households if one is disabled.

Teens married or just single mom must be in school and/or do the core activaties for at least 20 hours a week.

There are also asset limits that you have to consider before you apply this includes home, car and savings accounts. The links below will redirect you to site that explains these in detail and you may also apply online.

Childcare Assistance Programs

The Department of Economic Security also offers childcare to single moms who qualify. You have to either be employed or be participating in the training they provide or in school. For more about how to apply for DES sponsored childcare follow this link https://www.azdes.gov/or you may phone them at 1-800-308-9000. If you find that you do not qualify there are many babysitting co-ops in the Arizona area or you can initiate one on your own.

The average cost of childcare in Arizona is $89.00 a month this is low when the national of $110.00. These numbers are for the low and medium income families alone. With the budget cuts for the new fiscal year, the out-of-pocket costs for childcare are expected to increase drastically. Lack of adequate child care for infants and children under age five is the number on reason the welfare roles remain high.

This is another area that is feeling the brunt of new budget cuts. More than 30% of the homeless population in Arizona are families with children. Two out of every ten homeless persons are under age 18 and 27% of the families are there because of domestic violence. This numbers are low according to the national average. The budget cuts may see an increase in these statistics.

Educational Assistance Programs

If your dream as a single parent is to further your education then your first step would be to apply for the Federal free grants. You can do this online at http://www.fafsa.com once you have qualified for this grant you can use the information to apply for other state and local grants. When making the decision to continue your education or to return to college you should talk with the financial aid office at your school of choice. The unfortunate news is that recently there has been a 70% cut in education spending. This means that some popular grants have been suspended this link http://www.azgrants.gov/AZGrants2009/index.html will take you to a site that has a listing of the suspended programs and also links that you can use to apply for the ones that you qualify for.

The cost of a post secondary education has risen sharply in Arizona and across the country. The FAFSA application for the Pell Grant is the best bet since it is representative of 80% of the total amount of grant money available to date. There are a few private scholarships such as the Arizona Community Foundation http://www.azfoundation.org/ and The Arizona College Scholarship http://www.azcsf.org/ . These are just two of the scholarships you will find listed at http://www.azhighered.gov/Other_AZ_Aid.html .

Healthcare Assistance Programs

Health is a primary concern for most parents and single moms are no exception. The Arizona Kids care program is available for all low or no income families. This program gives you the much need coverage for preventative health care as well as emergency medical, dental and eye-care. For more information and to see if your family qualifies follow this link http://www.azahcccs.gov/applicants/categories/KidsCare.aspx

Food Assistance Programs

When a single mom in Arizona applies for TANF benefits they can also use the same application to apply for the new Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT Edge program). This has replaced the old paper food coupons and even if you do not qualify for cash assistance you can still be eligible for the EBT. Follow this link to determine eligibility and apply http://www.tanf.us/arizona.html. The state also offers a WIC program. This program provides food assistance for pregnant mothers, Infants and children under the age of 5.

Another great source of nutrition for single moms in the state of Arizona is the “Coordinated Hunger Program”. This agency brings together the many state, local and federal programs then use local organizations to deliver food, commodities and even fresh produce gleaned from fields that would otherwise go to rot. This link will take you to the site to learn more about this program and how to access it in your area https://www.azdes.gov/main.aspx?menu=359&id=5294 .

Transportation Assistance Programs

Although there are still remote areas in Arizona that do not have public transportation most of the larger cities have a bus service. There are also Taxi-cabs, trains and airports. Follow the first link below to see if public transportation is available in your city.